Illinois State Police
News Release

Thanksgiving Holiday Fatalities Drop

Press Release Date:
December 5, 2003
|| Archived December 18, 2003

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois State Police (ISP) released provisional figures today which indicate 16 people were killed over the Thanksgiving weekend as a result of 15 fatal crashes. Last year, 21 persons died as a result of 19 fatal crashes.

According to ISP Director Larry G. Trent, "Although five fewer people lost their lives this Thanksgiving, the number is still too high. The Illinois State Police will continue to work with local law enforcement agencies at safety belt enforcement zones and roadside safety checks the remainder of the holiday season to reduce the number even further."

During the Combined Accident Reduction Effort (C.A.R.E.) weekend, ISP officers wrote more than 17,000 citations and written warnings, including 3,975 for safety belt and child restraint violations and 6,700 for speeding offenses. Troopers also arrested 146 individuals for DUI and assisted more than 1,840 motorists.

"The ISP will also assign officers to special emphasis patrols during December, National 3D (Drunk & Drugged Driver) Prevention Month, in an effort to reduce impaired driving during one of the most heavily traveled holiday periods of the year. Remember . . . You Drink & Drive. You Lose," Trent concluded.